LINK: We won’t stop violence against women with conversations about
respect. This is not working. We need to get real | Jess Hill | The Guardian
Word Count: 1,022
1. The article outlines the topic of gendered violence in Australia as well
as the problem of recurrent domestic violence killings, highlighting the
inadequacies of the police and courts in preventing and addressing
these crimes. With new and rampant homicide cases the subject of
domestic violence is put back into the public eye, it draws attention to
a national situation in which domestic abuse is still a deadly and
widespread problem. The paper contends that in the absence of
prompt and efficient action by law enforcement and the legal system,
present preventive strategies—especially those that only concentrate
on long-term societal changes—are insufficient.
2. The main claims are that current prevention efforts, focused on altering
social attitudes towards gender norms, are insufficient. The efforts of
police and court systems are inadequate in protecting victims, and the
need for more immediate, accountable interventions are necessary. In
addition to advocating for more successful interventions to protect
victims and hold offenders accountable, these claims seek to draw
attention to the urgent need for reform.
3. The problem is pervasive across Australia and affecting both urban and
regional areas such as Darwin, Wagga, Shepparton, and Hobart.
4. The groups involved include victims and survivors of domestic violence
(mainly women and children), the perpetrators (mainly men), frontline
workers (such as police, healthcare workers, magistrates, and lawyers),
and the wider community.
5. Coercive control, inadequate systemic responses, the persistent
commission of domestic abuse, and the detrimental effects of
uncontrolled sectors like as alcohol, gambling, and pornography are
among the activities that are under scrutiny.
6. The evidence presented includes frontline worker reports showing a
rise in the complexity and severity of domestic abuse cases, a
standstill in public attitudes regarding domestic violence, and specific
shortcomings in the way the police and courts have handled these
issues.
7. The victims include women and children who suffer from domestic
violence and coercive control, as well as frontline workers who are
overburdened by the demands and challenges of the issues due to the
failures of the police and court systems.
8. The problem is related to the systematic failures within the police and
court systems, and their shortcomings in providing proper protection
and accountability. This has a connection to more general problems
with gender inequality and inadequate victim assistance systems.
9. The causes include harmful gender norms, systemic deficiencies in the
court and police departments, which leave them ill-prepared to deal
with situations of domestic abuse. This involves institutions not having
enough resources and not having any systems in place for
accountability.
10. The use of creative, evidence-based preventative techniques,
enhancing the efficacy and accountability of the police and courts, and
enacting structural changes to provide victims with greater support
and protection are all suggested treatments in the article.
11. The police and judicial systems' institutional inefficiency, the lack
of quick outcomes from present preventative measures, opposition
from political groups, and a lack of funding and training for law
enforcement and judiciary staff are some of the obstacles highlighted
in the article.
12. The claims for remedy are directed to the police and court
departments, the policymakers, and the state and federal government.
13. The claim-makers include the author Jess Hill, frontline workers,
and experts such as Prof. Michael Salter, who co-authored the white
paper "Rethinking Primary Prevention."
14. The claim-makers appeal to the values of justice, accountability,
urgency, and the need for prompt and efficient police and court
intervention to safeguard those who are vulnerable.
15. The claim-makers are activists and professionals who deal
directly with issues of domestic abuse. These professions include those
in frontline services, the legal system, and academic studies on crime
and the courts.
16. The individuals making the claims have a close connection to the
issue because of their work with victims and survivors, their advocacy
work, and their study into the causes and effects of domestic violence.
In their official roles, they deal directly with the police and courts.
17. A broad range of stakeholders comprise the main audience for
the assertions presented in the article regarding homicides caused by
domestic violence in Australia which include policymakers, public
servants, law enforcement personnels, the judiciary, and the public—
particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. Each of this
groups are essential to resolving the structural shortcomings in
preventing domestic abuse and putting the recommended changes
into practice. An understanding of the ways in which the article
specifically engages various audiences’ sheds light on the newspaper's
intended impact and strategic goal.
18. In addition to using evidence-based arguments and a call-to-
action approach, the article makes emotional appeals. It illustrates how
the courts and police have failed to protect victims and hold offenders
accountable using real-world instances and expert testimony. In
addition, the article also uses rhetorical questions. The article also uses
storytelling as a narrative technique about victims-survivors and
frontline workers which makes the article more compelling.
19. The Guardian is a very popular news carrier which allows for the
dissemination of information to various parts of the world quicker. The
purpose of publishing the claims in a newspaper is to increase public
knowledge, sway public opinion, and put pressure on and exert
pressure on policymakers, police, and the judicial system to take
urgent and effective action against domestic violence.
20. I believe that while long-term plans to alter societal perceptions
are crucial, there is also a pressing need for feasible solutions that will
increase the legitimacy and efficiency of the court systems and police
responses to domestic abuse. Making real success in reducing the
number of homicides caused by domestic violence requires
comprehensive strategies that include improved victim support,
systematic court reforms, and improved training for police. Moreover,
addressing men's violence against women requires a multifaceted
approach, starting with eradication of toxic hegemonic masculine
norms that are not only harmful to women but also men. I also believe
that societal shifts toward greater gender equality and support for
victims without victim blaming is crucial.
